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Shari LewisAmerican entertainer, actress, puppeteer and ventriloquist
Date of Birth: 17.01.1933
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Shari Lewis
Shari Lewis was an American artist, actress, puppeteer, and ventriloquist. She was also the host of a popular children's television program in the 1960s and 90s. Her most famous character was a lamb named Lamb Chop, who became a star on the local morning show "Hi Mom" in New York City in 1957. She won 12 Emmy Awards and wrote 60 children's books.
Early Life and Education
Sonia Phillis Hurwitz, later known as Shari Lewis, was born on January 17, 1933, in New York City, to a Jewish family. Her father, Abraham Hurwitz, was a professor at Yeshiva University and also a professional magician. Her mother, Ann Ritz, raised Shari and her sister. Shari developed a passion for performing at a young age and by the age of 13, she had mastered the art of magic with the help of her father. She also studied acrobatics, juggling, figure skating, baton twirling, and played the violin and piano. She learned ventriloquism from John W. Cooper, a well-known ventriloquist performer in New York City. Shari continued her education in violin and piano at the High School of Music and Art and trained at the American School of Ballet.
Career
Shari studied acting under Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse. After attending Barnard College for a year, she dropped out to pursue a career in show business. In 1952, Shari and her puppets won first prize on a talent show. In March 1956, she and Lamb Chop appeared on the children's television program "Captain Kangaroo" and achieved such success that later that year, she had her own show called "Shariland" on local television, which ran until the end of 1958.
In 1960, Shari worked as the host and puppeteer on "The Shari Lewis Show" on cable television. The show featured characters such as the clumsy Charlie Horse, the black crow Wing Ding, and the shy Hush Puppy. Lamb Chop, a white sock with eyes, often served as Shari's mischievous alter ego. The show frequently featured guest appearances by television and movie celebrities. The popularity of Shari Lewis' puppets led to successful merchandise sales, appealing to generations of children.
In 1992, Shari launched a new show called "Lamb Chop's Play-Along" on PBS, which aired for five years. She also created several special episodes based on the show, such as "Lamb Chop's Special Chanukah."
Personal Life and Legacy
Shari's first husband was Stan Lewis, whom she divorced. Her second husband was Jeremy Tarcher, a publisher, screenwriter, and producer, who survived her. Their daughter, Mallory Tarcher, officially changed her name to Mallory Lewis and continued to work on the show with Lamb Chop.
In June 1998, Shari was diagnosed with uterine cancer. While undergoing treatment at a medical center, she contracted viral pneumonia and passed away on August 2, 1998, at the age of 65. Shari Lewis left a lasting legacy as a talented artist and puppeteer beloved by children and adults alike.
